Using toilet roll tubes for seeds question (MERGED)

MRSMCAWBER

Hi

Im another who uses the loo roll tubes for all beans and peas -I have never had a problem with them growing mould or collapsing ..
I have 3 carrier bags of them stashed to start this year

billieboy_2

Yes, I've started collecting them now along with egg boxes to start potatoes off in. Thanks for all your replies:T .

bluegiraffe_2

Im really sorry to hijack your post, OP, but does anyone know if parsnips will be ok to be started off in these tubes? Also carrots and broccoli?

Thanks in advance!:j

A_Clock

billieboy wrote: »

Yes I thought mould could be another problem. Thanks.

Dont worry about the mould it wont hurt, and will help the tubes rot down once in the soil Its the same as what happens in a compost bin

alanobrien

Yes, been using loo rolls for broad and runner beans for some time. Last year i also tried them for starting of parsnips and that worked quite well to.
You do need to be careful about watering but otherwise its a good way of starting off crops that are not easy to transplant.

RAS

bluegiraffe wrote: »

Im really sorry to hijack your post, OP, but does anyone know if parsnips will be ok to be started off in these tubes? Also carrots and broccoli?

Thanks in advance!:j

Definately parsnips and carrots, but carrots might be better started in a long pot and then set in the ground as a clump to grow on. As long as you plant them out as soon as the first root starts to appear at the bottom, they are OK, otherwise you get kinky carrots.

I stick 6-8 loo roll inners in an old punnet used for peaches and the like.

jabba4

bluegiraffe wrote: »

Im really sorry to hijack your post, OP, but does anyone know if parsnips will be ok to be started off in these tubes? Also carrots and broccoli?

Broccoli would be no problem.

Carrots and parsnips don't like any disturbance to their roots, but as long as you don't disturb the tubes I could see that working.



As an aside, if you do use loo roll tubes, make sure that none of the tube is above the soil (ie make sure it's completely buried). It acts like a wick and dries out the tube, and thus the soil/compost around the seedling.

I just trim the top edge of the tube when I plant them out.

bluegiraffe_2

excellent, thankd very much! I'll give it a go, and let you know how I get on!

Catwoman_Kent

I bought a "paper potter" for my dad and he uses these to put his seedlings in when planting out.

http://www.netherwalloptrading.com/item/?product=PaperPotter

These are available cheaper on line (probably on ebay)

mum_of_4

had great results for the last two years -

started off
runner beans
french beans
sweetcorn
parnips
peas - used to grow spare plants to fill in any gaps in direct sown peas

As said aboe make sure you keep the rolls wet so they don't dry out and when planted in the soil ensure the top of the roll is under the surface.